Lyanda Lynn Haupt

An inspiring meditation on the intersection of science, nature, and spirit that shows readers how to deepen their connection to the natural world. Science. Nature. Spirit. They do not, need not, and should not overlap completely. But at that center, where they do intersect? At that crossroads there is intelligence, and sacredness, and wildness, and grace. There is clear‑sighted hope in a time of despair. There is resistance. There is joy. In this beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring book, ecophilosopher, naturalist, and award‑winning author Lyanda Lynn Haupt offers serious invitation to ecological consciousness and action -- a swift and beautiful manual inspiring readers to stand in a new way for the natural world. With Haupt's own changing and growing perceptions as a life‑long student of nature as a through‑line, ROOTED offers an antidote to the plagues of modern life based in science, spirituality, and nature. In this mystifying time of climate upheaval that affects the earth so dramatically, people are afraid and uncertain of where to turn, where to direct their inborn love of nature. ROOTED delivers much‑needed solace while inspiring readers to engage with the wild earth in new ways. The intertwining of science, nature, and spirit shows readers how to get grounded and move forward on our beloved, imperiled world.

Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit

Rooted

There are more crows now than ever. Their abundance is both an indicator of ecological imbalance and a generous opportunity to connect with the animal world. CROW PLANET reminds us that we do not need to head to faraway places to encounter "nature." Rather, even in the suburbs and cities where we live we are surrounded by wild life such as crows, and through observing them we can enhance our appreciation of the world's natural order. CROW PLANET richly weaves Haupt's own "crow stories" as well as scientific and scholarly research and the history and mythology of crows, culminating in a book that is sure to make readers see the world around them in a very different way.

Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness

Crow Planet

From the bestselling author of Crow Planet, a compelling journey into the secret lives of the wild animals at our back door. In THE URBAN BESTIARY, acclaimed nature writer Lyanda Lynn Haupt journeys into the heart of the everyday wild, where coyotes, raccoons, chickens, hawks, and humans live in closer proximity than ever before. Haupt's observations bring compelling new questions to light: Whose "home" is this? Where does the wild end and the city begin? And what difference does it make to us as humans living our everyday lives? In this wholly original blend of science, story, myth, and memoir, Haupt draws us into the secret world of the wild creatures that dwell among us in our urban neighborhoods, whether we are aware of them or not. With beautiful illustrations and practical sidebars on everything from animal tracking to opossum removal, THE URBAN BESTIARY is a lyrical book that awakens wonder, delight, and respect for the urban wild, and our place within it.

Encountering the Everyday Wild

The Urban Bestiary

Explores the unlikely bond between the famous Austrian composer and his pet starling, providing an unexpected window into human-animal friendships, music, and the nature of creative inspiration.

Mozart's Starling

Naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt, an ornithology teacher and researcher, examines the amazing talents and personalities of the most common of birds. She muses on the tarnished reputation of the starling, the sexed-up antics of male woodpeckers, and the mysterious behavior and startling population explosion of crows in her hometown. Through the eye and voice of this talented writer, birds provide a fascinating point of contact with the natural world at large.

Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds

Raíces

An NPR Best Book of the Year: "A heady hybrid of science, history, how-to and memoir" about a great composer, a common bird, and our bond with nature ( Los Angeles Times). On May 27, 1784, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart met a flirtatious little starling in a Viennese shop who sang an improvised version of the theme from his Piano Concerto no. 17 in G major. Sensing a kindred spirit in the plucky young bird, Mozart bought him and took him home to be a family pet. For three years, the starling lived with Mozart, influencing his work and serving as his companion, distraction, consolation, and muse. Two centuries later, starlings are reviled by even the most compassionate conservationists. A nonnative, invasive species, they invade sensitive habitats, outcompete local birds for nest sites and food, and decimate crops. A seasoned birder and naturalist, Lyanda Lynn Haupt is well versed in the difficult and often strained relationships these birds have with other species and the environment. But after rescuing a baby starling of her own, Haupt found herself enchanted by the same intelligence and playful spirit that had so charmed her favorite composer. In Mozart's Starling, Haupt explores the unlikely and remarkable bond between one of history's most cherished composers and one of earth's most common birds. The intertwined stories of Mozart's beloved pet and Haupt's own starling is "a hard-to-put down, charming blend of science, biography, and memoir . . . brimming with starling information, travelogues, and historical details about Mozart's Vienna" ( Booklist). "Delightful and interesting." — Seattle Times "Unusual and thoroughly engaging." — Toronto Star "Shed[s] light on the connection between humans and birds—those of us bound to terra firma, and those who are free to soar." ―Garth Stein, New York Times–bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

On May 27th, 1784, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart met a flirtatious little starling who sang (an improved version of!) the theme from his Piano Concerto Number 17 in G to him. Knowing a kindred spirit when he met one, Mozart wrote "That was wonderful" in his journal and took the bird home to be his pet. For three years Mozart and his family enjoyed the uniquely delightful company of the starling until one April morning when the bird passed away. In 2013, Lyanda Lynn Haupt, author of Crow Planet, rescued her own starling, Carmen, who has become a part of her family. In Mozart's Starling, Haupt explores the unlikely bond between one of history's most controversial characters and one of history's most notoriously disliked birds. Part natural history, part story, Mozart's Starling will delight readers as they learn about language, music, and the secret world of starlings.

By focusing mostly on the birds Charles Darwin observed, and by brilliantly mining his lesser-known writings, Haupt pens a startlingly fresh exploration of the man's genius that invites readers to look at the world with new eyes.

Lyanda Lynn Haupt

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